What MS grade is a proof coin?

Summary

Proof coins are graded much like regular strike coins with the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale of 1-70. Instead of an MS-70, the Proof coin in perfect condition would be a PR-70 or PF-70.

A coin certified in MS70/PR70 condition means the coin has been carefully examined by the experts. Only coins that are perfect in all aspects of strike, surface and luster are awarded the top grade of Mint State 70 or Proof 70.

For a coin to achieve a perfect score of 70 it must have “no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.” Basically, it’s the perfect coin. A perfect proof coin would be graded “PF 70”, a circulating coin would be “MS 70” and an uncirculated (non-proof) coin would be “SP 70”.

A coin graded MS-63 has a mint luster that may be slightly impaired. Numerous small contact marks and a few scattered heavy marks may be seen. Small hairlines may be visible without magnification. Several detracting scuff marks or defects may be present throughout the design or in the fields.

Proof coins are struck twice instead of just once like regular coins, but this one extra strike gives the coins a much shinier, clean-looking finish and makes the intricate details of the design pop. Most proofs can be identified by their mirror-like background.

In nearly all situations, key date coins in uncirculated condition are worth having professionally graded. This is especially the case if you have multiple coins to submit, as this will help reduce your overall expense per coin when factoring in shipping and insurance expenses.

In general, the MS70 grade retails at about 2 to 3 times the cost of a raw coin while the MS69 grade retails at about 1.5 to 2 times the cost of a raw coin. Unfortunately, these graded coins only have a “one-way-market” from the big national coin dealers to the consumer.

From an investment standpoint, MS70 coins likely aren’t worth the investment if you’re paying a high premium. In most cases, coin dealers selling high-grade coins aren’t offering anything of true numismatic value.

The lowest circulated, the numismatic grade is Poor-1, and the highest circulated grade is Very Choice About Uncirculated-58. The lowest uncirculated, numismatic grade is MS-60 (MS is short for “Mint State”), with the highest being MS-70, or a perfect coin.

Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) – An above-average uncirculated coin that may be brilliant or lightly toned and that has very few contact marks on the surface.

Questions and Answers

Question 1: Are proof coins always MS70?
Answer 1: Proof coins are graded much like regular strike coins with the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale of 1-70. Instead of an MS-70, the Proof coin in perfect condition would be a PR-70 or PF-70.

Question 2: Is MS 70 proof?
Answer 2: A coin certified in MS70/PR70 condition means the coin has been carefully examined by the experts. Only coins that are perfect in all aspects of strike, surface and luster are awarded the top grade of Mint State 70 or Proof 70.

Question 3: Is PF70 higher than MS70?
Answer 3: For a coin to achieve a perfect score of 70 it must have “no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.” Basically, it’s the perfect coin. A perfect proof coin would be graded “PF 70”, a circulating coin would be “MS 70” and an uncirculated (non-proof) coin would be “SP 70”.

Question 4: How do you know if your coin has a MS63 grade?
Answer 4: A coin graded MS-63 has a mint luster that may be slightly impaired. Numerous small contact marks and a few scattered heavy marks may be seen. Small hairlines may be visible without magnification. Several detracting scuff marks or defects may be present throughout the design or in the fields.

Question 5: How do you tell if a coin is a proof?
Answer 5: Proof coins are struck twice instead of just once like regular coins, but this one extra strike gives the coins a much shinier, clean-looking finish and makes the intricate details of the design pop. Most proofs can be identified by their mirror-like background.

Question 6: Is it worth getting proof coins graded?
Answer 6: In nearly all situations, key date coins in uncirculated condition are worth having professionally graded. This is especially the case if you have multiple coins to submit, as this will help reduce your overall expense per coin when factoring in shipping and insurance expenses.

Question 7: What is the difference between MS 69 and MS70?
Answer 7: In general, the MS70 grade retails at about 2 to 3 times the cost of a raw coin while the MS69 grade retails at about 1.5 to 2 times the cost of a raw coin. Unfortunately, these graded coins only have a “one-way-market” from the big national coin dealers to the consumer.

Question 8: Are MS70 coins worth buying?
Answer 8: Are MS70 bullion coins worth it? From an investment standpoint, MS70 coins likely aren’t worth the investment if you’re paying a high premium. In most cases, coin dealers selling high-grade coins aren’t offering anything of true numismatic value.

Question 9: What is the highest MS coin grade?
Answer 9: The highest MS coin grade is MS-70. The lowest circulated, the numismatic grade is Poor-1, and the highest circulated grade is Very Choice About Uncirculated-58. The lowest uncirculated, numismatic grade is MS-60 (MS is short for “Mint State”), with the highest being MS-70, or a perfect coin.

Question 10: What is the difference between MS69 and MS70?
Answer 10: In general, the MS70 grade retails at about 2 to 3 times the cost of a raw coin while the MS69 grade retails at about 1.5 to 2 times the cost of a raw coin. Unfortunately, these graded coins only have a “one-way-market” from the big national coin dealers to the consumer.